University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Moose’s Beach House
February 2006
by Marc B. Zawel

Most people regard Vegas as the site of weekend-long vacations occupied by gambling, girls and general debauchery. But the lucky students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas take in the spoils of Sin City every day. When expensive drinks at tourist traps and endless losses at the blackjack table add up, thirsty Rebels can knock back a few cheap ones at Moose’s Beach House. Located far enough from the Strip, in a mall across the street from the dorms, it’s a welcome respite when the neon lights get too bright.

The Scene: Decorated in breezy, tropical décor, including a canoe hanging outside the door and stuffed fish dangling from the ceiling, this watering hole looks like a seaside shack. The video poker machines built into the bar remind patrons that they’re still in Vegas. There’s plenty of room inside, which is important: On the busiest nights, more than 600 thirsty Nevadans come inside to party. “We’re starving, cheap-as-hell college students,” says Kat, a waitress. “We don’t head to the Strip, we come here.” And for good reason: During lunch, anyone over 21 with a valid student ID gets their first drink on the house.

Girls at the Bar: The women are beautiful here and there are plenty to choose from. “Everyone knows that the place to meet women is Moose’s,” says Sam, an accounting major. “Why go to clubs and spend everything when you can spend a couple bucks and get the same thing here?” That same sentiment is echoed by the female clientele. “You get sick of grinding with tourists on the Strip,” says Michelle, a psychology major. “It’s nice to come here and not have to deal with that crap.”

When to Go: Rebels storm the bar almost every night of the week. “Kids who have night classes tend to come here both before and after classes, which is a bit interesting,” Kat says. But the busiest night is Wednesdays, when a local DJ spins and domestic drafts are only $1 after 9 p.m. If that isn’t your scene, Thursday nights feature Darby O’Gill & The Little People, a local Irish band, and $10 all-you-can-drink Coors Light. For those just looking to relax, Happy Hour is every day from 4-9 p.m., when cocktails, drafts and wine are half price.

Dress Code: The typical college grunge does the trick. On weekend nights, students tend to get a bit more dressed up to abide by the bar’s dress code (no hats, open-toed shoes or baggy clothes). The rest of the time, it’s not much of an issue.

At the Bar: Drafts are popular, and it’s hard to go wrong when Guinness is only $2.50 a pint (reduced to $2 on Saturdays and Wednesdays). Jäger bombs and shots are also big. Local drink specialties include the “adios motherfucker” (one heck of a Vegas Long Island Iced Tea) and the “Scooby snack” (a deceptively tasty concoction of Malibu Rum, Midori, pineapple juice and milk).